The Affinity Plus Foundation recently announced the recipients of its 2018 Community Grants. A total of 10 grants, ranging in size from $4,000 to $10,000, will support programming in multiple communities around Minnesota.
Funding supports organizations and activities that have a positive impact on Minnesota communities, according to Foundation Board Chair Kristina Wright, senior vice president of Member Experience.
“It’s always so inspiring to see the unique, creative ways that local organizations and non-profits engage in our communities,” Wright said. "Whether working to solve a specific challenge or to enhance the quality of life for residents, we’re honored to play a part in what these organizations do that make a meaningful difference.”
The 2018 Community Grant recipients are listed below.
• Anna Marie's Alliance
Anna Marie’s Alliance provides shelter and support services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. It operates multiple programs to address domestic violence in central Minnesota, including a 24-hour hotline, children’s program, transitional housing, criminal justice intervention and more. Grant funding from the Affinity Plus Foundation will help Anna Marie’s Alliance to focus on intervention, prevention and advocacy as it relates to safety for all families.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, professionally supported one-to-one youth mentoring relationships to make lasting life change. Support from the Affinity Plus Foundation will be directed toward recruiting, screening and training mentors.
• Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area
The Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji (Minn.) Area provides after-school and summer programs open to all Bemidji area youth, ages 6-18. The Affinity Plus Foundation grant will support its “Money Matters” program, which teaches youth financial responsibility and basic money management skills to build a solid financial future.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities provide a fun, safe and constructive environment for kids and teens during out-of-school hours. Grant dollars from the Affinity Plus Foundation will support the organization’s “Money Matters” financial education program, which teaches money management skills, budgeting, saving, investing saving for college and more.
• CommunityGiving
CommunityGiving in St. Cloud, Minn., is the fiscal host of the Jugaad Leadership Program (JLP), designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skill sets, and resources to be effective in leading change at the grassroots level. This program attracts minority students, residents, newcomers and professionals by empowering them to be leaders and advocates in their respective communities. The Affinity Plus Foundation grant will support the JLP’s educational series focused on leadership development, financial education, non-profits and intercultural exchanges.
• Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES)
CLUES is an organization that works to empower Latinos and other immigrants by understanding their life circumstances, building upon their skills, and celebrating their drive to create rich, healthy lives for themselves and their families. CLUES services focus on health, wellness, economic vitality and education. The Affinity Plus Foundation grant will support its financial empowerment services, counseling, workshops and tax preparation.
• Exodus Lending
Exodus Lending is a nonprofit dedicated solely to providing a pathway out of payday loan debt to Minnesota borrowers seeking financial stability. Through this grant from the Affinity Plus Foundation, Exodus Lending will enhance program benefits and continue its strategic expansion efforts beyond the Twin Cities to serve more Minnesotans.
• Family Promise Rochester
Family Promise works to provide shelter, stability, skills and support to families facing homelessness. It helps parents seek employment and teaches personal finance, goal-setting, professionalism and personal empowerment. Grant funding from the Affinity Plus Foundation will support the activities of Family Promise, the only family homeless shelter in the greater Rochester, Minn., area.
• Merrick Community Services
Merrick Community Services helps families and individuals access support and find opportunities in the East Side of St. Paul. It offers education, nutrition and social service programs through collaboration with area organizations. Grant funding from the Affinity Plus Foundation will support MCS’s career services program, focused on construction training that targets low-income women in non-traditional trades.
• Minnesota Council on Economic Education
MCEE aims to equip Minnesotans with the economic and personal financial understanding needed to succeed in today’s complex economy. It does this by teaching teachers, engaging students, and reaching communities. Grant funding from the Affinity Plus Foundation will support MCEE’s Personal Finance Decathlon.
Children from Family Promise, Rochester, Minn., play outside; (bottom left) staff at Anna Marie’s Alliance prepare for a fiesta for the shelter’s residents; and (bottom right) participants in the Jugaad Leadership Program, St. Cloud, Minn., meet with local law-enforcement representatives.